Meet The Staff

Ahmed Ghuman (he/him/his) is a Clinical Psychologist who serves as the Executive Director of the University Counseling Center at University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). Ahmed earned a PsyD in clinical psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also holds an MBA in general business administration from La Salle University. In his clinical work, Ahmed utilizes an integrative approach of humanistic and cognitive behavioral therapy. Additionally, he specializes in positive psychology and uses a strengths-based approach rooted in positive psychotherapy with his clients. His areas of interest include self-esteem, happiness, motivation, resilience, meaning and purpose, religious and spiritual identity, and multicultural concerns. As a clinical supervisor, Ahmed utilizes a strength’s-based approach while also promoting cultural sensitivity in supervision. His leadership style focuses on inclusive leadership principles that promote cultural humility, curiosity, and collaboration amongst staff. Moreover, Ahmed leads the Multicultural Care Team at Pitt’s University Counseling Center, and is the President of the Muslim Affinity Group at Pitt. Additionally, Ahmed serves as the Co-Chair for the Diversity & Inclusion Committee for the American College Counseling Association.

Ashlee (she/her/hers) received her BA in Psychology from Hiram College. She earned an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Bowling Green State University and a PsyD in Counseling Psychology from Carlow University. She completed her doctoral internship at The Ohio State University and her postdoctoral fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University. Ashlee’s professional interests include working with survivors of sexual violence and trauma, concerns that disproportionately affect women, identity development and self-esteem, relationship and family of origin concerns, and the unique experiences of first-generation college students and students from low-income and economically marginalized backgrounds. Ashlee’s style of therapy is integrative and client-centered, including elements of interpersonal process, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral theories within a sociocultural and feminist framework. Ashlee especially enjoys the privilege of helping college students navigate major life transitions and understand the impact of their intersecting identities and lived experiences.

Bernadette (she/her/hers) is a licensed professional counselor with over a decade of experience in a variety of mental health settings. She enjoys working with students individually and in therapy groups around a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and substance use. Bernadette strives to create a safe and collaborative relationship with students, allowing them to increase self-awareness, find effective solutions and build fulfilling lives.
 
In her role as Associate Director of Outreach, Bernadette works to develop and strengthen partnerships with campus and community partners in an effort to support student well-being through a holistic and culturally informed lens. She believes a culture of care is critical to creating an environment in which students can reach their fullest potential, both in and out of the classroom. In addition to her role at the Counseling Center, Bernadette serves the Pitt community through participation in campus-wide programs and initiatives. Bernadette proudly co-chairs the Campus Well-being Consortium and was instrumental in the development of Thrive @ Pitt, a university-wide initiative aimed at educating students on the topic of well-being while connecting them to relevant campus resources. In her free time, Bernadette enjoys dancing, watching football and reading.

Camille Velazquez (she/her/hers) is a licensed psychologist who serves as the Assistant Director for Clinical Services. She obtained her BA at the University of Puerto Rico, Ponce campus in Forensic Psychology, she later got her MS and PhD in Clinical Psychology at the Ponce Health Sciences University where they have an APA accredited program. She did her doctoral internship at Torrance State Hospital, where she later worked for five more years, Camille was the training director for the internship program for three years. Camille's professional interest include training, serious mental illness, crisis management, and major life transitions. Camille's approach to psychotherapy is eclectic with elements of psychodynamic therapy, attachment-based therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. In her free time Camille loves to try new restaurants, listen to podcasts, travel to visit family in Puerto Rico and spend time with her family.

Marlee (She/Her/Hers) is a huge fan of Pittsburgh as she grew up thirty minutes north of the city. She enjoys working with college age students because they are full of ideas and have a passion for making a difference in the world and their community. Some of her prior community involvements include tutoring math to middle and elementary school students and serving the homeless population in the Pittsburgh area. In her free time, Marlee likes to cook, dance, spend time outdoors, listen to music, and solve the puzzles in her variety puzzle book.

As a homegrown Pittsburgher, Nikki (she/her/hers) feels a close connection to Pitt’s campus, students and the city itself. As your first point of contact at the UCC, Nikki enjoys helping students connect with the resources and services they need. Nikki is a lover of dancing, coffee and all things glitter!

Carol (she/her/hers) has worked at Pitt for 9 years and is grateful for the many opportunities she had along the way. Carol enjoys working in a university setting and having daily contact with students.

Heather (she/her/hers) received her Bachelor in Psychology degree and Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Her clinical areas of interest are interpersonal relationships; grief and loss; anxiety; depression. Grounded in social work theory, Heather begins by meeting each client where they are currently at and identifying strengths and the barriers that may prevent goal attainment. She barrows from various evidence-based theories and strives to assist clients in finding solutions that help them live their very best lives. She enjoys working with college-aged clients due to their openness to change and willingness to invest in learning more about themselves.

Sonia (she/they) completed her Master of Social Work degree at University of Pittsburgh's School of Social Work in 2009 and is in the process of completing a Doctorate of Counseling Psychology. Having worked in a wide range of settings, she appreciates the opportunity to bring her knowledge, experience, and value of life-long learning and community to Pitt UCC in support of others also engaging in their growth.  Sonia's theoretical orientation is largely cultural relational and relational psychodynamic and is informed by social justice considerations. In the short-term setting of university college counseling, she primarily incorporates elements of mindfulness, cognitive behavioral, and dialectical behavioral therapies in her therapeutic approach. Sonia appreciates working with university students in support of their health and wellness, while they explore their developing sense of self and being in this world.

Dr. Betru (she/her) holds a doctorate in clinical social work from the University of Pennsylvania and holds MSW and BA degrees from the University of Oklahoma. She has 17 years of clinical experience and has worked with individuals, couples and families.  Her particular expertise is trauma-informed  treatments and race conscious practices.  She is dedicated to community engagement and serves on boards of organizations that serve the needs of women and children. She is a professor and enjoys working with students and helping them develop emotional resilience. She loves spending time in nature and having a good laugh with family and friends.

Amy Boyles (she/her/hers) joined the University of Pittsburgh Counseling Center in 2011 as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  She has her BA and MSW specializing in mental health and direct practice from the University of Pittsburgh and completed her internship at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Dual Diagnosis Unit.   Amy’s areas of interest are ADHD, anxiety, relationship health and safety, trauma, eating disorders and the Veteran population.   Using a holistic and strength’s based approach, Amy’s clinical practice includes motivational interviewing, ACT, CBT, psychoeducation and skill building.  In her free time, Amy enjoys family time, hiking, reading, going to the gym, trying new restaurants and knitting.

Lindsay (she/her/hers) is a licensed professional counselor who completed her Masters in Clinical Psychology at the University of Central Florida. She has been working in mental health for more than 15 years, and uses a person centered, cognitive behavioral focus with her clients. Lindsay enjoys working with undergraduate and graduate students and helping people with identity exploration and finding creative solutions. When outside of the UCC, Lindsay enjoys knitting, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Jay (he/him/his) is a licensed psychologist who completed his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas and he completed his Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Science with an area of emphasis in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity from the University of Northern Colorado. His clinical interests include sport and performance psychology, depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, men’s issues, grief/loss, life transitions, career/academic concerns, mindfulness, and stress management. Jay’s approach to therapy is integrative, with an approach focusing on creating a safe, collaborative, and supportive setting and incorporating humanistic, emotion-focused, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. In his free time, Jay enjoys exercising, traveling and exploring Pittsburgh.

Lori (she/her/hers) is a proud Pitt alum who earned both her Bachelor in Psychology and Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Lori’s clinical interests include LGBTQIA+, anxiety, depression, transitions and interpersonal. Lori has a wide range of theoretical approaches, including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing and compassion-focused. College is an exciting and stressful time, full of growth, changes and transition; Lori finds it rewarding to help individuals realize their potential and navigate the stressors of this stage of life.

Brittany (she/her/hers) holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and graduated with honors. She is a second-year doctoral candidate at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Counseling Education and Supervision. She has years of experience counseling children, adolescents, families and young adults. She uses culture, education, equality, empowerment, and self-exploration to help students identify strengths and to promote active change. Her professional interests and expertise include the following: Young adult trauma, attachment, relationship issues, social justice, ethnic identity, racism/discrimination, intersectionality, first-generation college students and self-esteem.  

Bernie (she/her/hers) has a BA in English Literature from Bellarmine University, a JD (law) from the University of Louisville, an MA in clinical psychology from the University of Dayton, and is currently completing her PsyD in clinical psychology from the Wright State University School of Professional Psychology. As a first-generation college student, Bernie enjoys working with students who are the first in their family to attend college or who are navigating other issues of identity. She has experience with students who are exploring issues of identity such as sexual orientation, gender, religion, political beliefs, and the intersection of these variables. Bernie's work is informed by Gestalt, feminist, multicultural, and humanistic theory. She also has experience in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and other CBT approaches. In her free time, Bernie enjoys watching things grow, including her houseplants, dogs, and young son. She also loves thrift stores, estate sales, and refinishing old furniture.

Cassandra (she/her/hers) received her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, with a concentration in mental health, from the University of Pittsburgh. She is interested in working with students who are experiencing interpersonal or relationship concerns, difficulty with transitioning, anxiety, depression and managing themselves among all the opportunities and distractions. Cassandra finds university students to be incredibly energetic and enthusiastic, and she is continually impressed with their accomplishments and their success in developing new abilities, as well as their capacity to embrace and adapt to new situations. She wants to encourage students to enable their passion and ingenuity while helping them make decisions about their future.

Dani (they/them/theirs) currently serves as the Coordinator for Clinical Services and the lead clinician for the Next STEP program that helps students with more longer-term therapy needs get connected to resources in the community. Dani holds an MA in Clinical Psychology from West Chester University and a MEd in Counseling from the University of Houston. They recently completed their doctoral internship at the UCC as well. Dani has strong clinical and research interests in the well -being of those with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and has clinical expertise in identity exploration, transition-related concerns, coming out concerns, and ways to cope with LGBTQIA+ minority stress. They also have experience providing clinical care to those who identify as polyamorous, kinky, asexual and/or aromantic. Dani works to combat sizeism and weight bias, and they practice from a weight-neutral paradigm. They are also committed to providing affirming care for those who are navigating their identities as disabled, gifted, or plural. Dani’s style of therapy is integrative and empowerment based, drawing from liberation, feminist/multicultural, internal family systems, and acceptance and commitment therapy practices. In their free time, Dani enjoys indoor gardening, PC/video gaming, and lounging with their two cats.

Tara (she/her/hers) received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology (MSCP) from Chatham University. She is currently working towards licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania. Her clinical interests include identity development, multicultural concerns, trauma, women’s issues, self-compassion, life transitions, and emotional dysregulation. Tara approaches therapy in various ways, including the theories of humanism, feminism, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and DBT (dialectical behavior therapy). She appreciates working with college students as individuals are at a unique stage of development which largely focuses on identity exploration. When Tara is not working, she enjoys various forms of movement, spending time with her dog, watching her favorite shows, and watching Pittsburgh football (H2P and go Steelers!).

Mihnea (he/him/his) joined the counseling center in 2014, initially as an intern. He received his Master’s in Social Work (MSW), with a concentration in mental health, from the University of Pittsburgh in 2015. His earlier education includes an MA in Cultural Anthropology, from the University of Pittsburgh, and a BA with a major in Sociology, from the University of Bucharest. Mihnea strongly believes in the inherent and unconditional worthiness of all human beings and his approach to therapy is informed by humanistic, strength-based, multicultural, and feminist perspectives. Mihnea’s top values are compassion, justice, authenticity, and integrity. He enjoys engaging in mindfulness practice and contemplation, loves being in nature or socializing, and strives to bring about changes in his immediate environment. He especially appreciates the curiosity, openness to new experiences and perspectives, and the search for meaning of university students.

Danielle (she/her/hers) received a Master's in Social Work with a clinical focus and concentration in mental health from the University of Pittsburgh. Danielle is also a licensed clinical social worker who has been working in the mental health field for over a decade. Danielle's clinical and supportive approaches include focus on the story and narrative of the client as well as evidence based skill building strategies that harnesses the client's ability to build upon their own personal reservoir of strengths and coping skills.

Kaitlyn (she/her/hers) graduated with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University and is a licensed professional counselor and licensed behavior specialist. She has experience working with children, families, and students. Kaitlyn enjoys working with students with behavioral concerns and people who are survivors of sexual violence. Kaitlyn practices counseling with a person centered, trauma informed, cognitive behavioral approach. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Adam (he/him/his) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in both Pennsylvania and Ohio, a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board of Certified Counselors, and has also earned a in Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Northern Illinois University. His current research and clinical interests include college counseling, college student development, social justice, multiculturalism, the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as human sexuality and sex related issues. When he is not working, Adam is either spending time with friends and family (especially his nephew), or watching movies and films. Adam has been a member of an international film festival for over a decade and absolutely loves the art of film.

Marcus (he/him/his) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Santa Barbara. Having worked in a variety of settings, including both inpatient and outpatient, Marcus utilizes an approach unique to the needs of each client. Among those approaches are CBT, DBT, Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Marcus enjoys the dynamic nature of a college campus and working with students as they navigate relationships, professional pursuits, and identity-related exploration.

Jay (he/him/his) received his Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Rutgers University, his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, and is now a Licensed Social Worker. He enjoys working collaboratively with students in both individual and group therapy settings to address many areas of concern, including anxiety, depression, grief, interpersonal relationships, and existential issues around meaning and purpose. Jay utilizes an integrative approach to psychotherapy tailored to the needs and goals of each client that is influenced by many different therapeutic modalities including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and short-term, solution focused approaches. Jay finds work with college students to be rewarding because of the unique and important issues that come up as students leave home and enter adulthood, and because college students are inquisitive, insightful, and dedicated clients.

Veronica I Jones (she/her/hers) graduated from Howard University, Washington D.C in Nursing, obtained a Master's in Counselor Education from the University of Pittsburgh, and lastly a Doctorate degree from Duquesne University, in Executive Counselor Education and Supervision. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, as well as being Board Certified in Telemental Health. Her work history includes over 20 years administrative and clinical experience in Substance Use Disorders, including a 10 year history part-time with University Counseling Center. More recently, she joined the team full time as an embedded clinician in the School of Medicine. Veronica's clinical interest include substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, and working with students who feel they are marginalized. Her primary therapeutic approaches include but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-focused therapy and other therapies designed to meet the student where they are with their issues/concerns. Veronica enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family.

Eric (He/His/Him) is a Licensed Professional Counselor who completed his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Eric’s approach to counseling is strength based and solution focused utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT.) His areas of interest include working with students experiencing stress due to transition, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal or relational issues.  Outside of work, he enjoys being active, hiking and playing sports, as well as spending time with his family.

G. Alexander Sipe (he, him, his) is grateful for opportunity to serve as a clinician in the HEART Program within the University Counseling Center. Alex earned his Master’s of Social Work degree in Direct Practice with a Certificate in Mental Health from the University of Pittsburgh. His undergraduate work in social work was completed at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA. Alex seeks to meet folks where they are at while utilizing curiosity and empathy to partner with and empower them to navigate and de-escalate crisis situations. He utilizes multiple modalities including CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy. Alex’s professional interests include crisis intervention and management, safety planning, mood management, program development, supervision, and training. He enjoys spending time with his family and is a fan of trivia, Superman, Star Trek, and baseball.

Katelyn (she/her/hers) earned a Master of Social Work from University of Pittsburgh. She is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, with extensive experience in crisis, trauma, and emergency/first responder calls. Katelyn approaches therapy with the belief that everyone, regardless of their background, is susceptible to experiencing a crisis or traumatic situation. She values compassionate understanding and validation in all her interactions with students. Katelyn enjoys working as a HEART Clinician, as she is able to provide necessary support that a student might need right away.